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| Archives and Online Features : Gear Reviews |
Tropical: Extras
By Hooked Staff/photos by Seth K. Hughes
2005 Dec (Vol. 7, No. 7)
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1) Cloudveil Cool Shirt
The name says it all. Using what the fishing bums at Cloudveil call “cool touch fabric,” this shirt is built with super lightweight Supplex, designed to be cool to the skin in tropical temps. $68; 877-255-8345; www.cloudveil.com.
2) Kokatat Paddling Capri
For women looking to take fashion with them on the water or who simply want leg coverage without overheating, slip on a pair of these new capri pants. Super comfortable, lightweight and very quick drying, they make the transition from kayak to restaurant with ease. $49; 800-225-9749; www.kokatat.com.
3) Thermos Beverage Bottle Insulator 2710
Little tastes better than a fresh bottle of water when you’ve been surfing or paddling in the sun. There’s nothing worse than finding that your bottle of water is almost boiling hot and undrinkable. Enter the Beverage Bottle Insulator. Perfectly sized to fit a standard water bottle up to 16 ounces (or a 12-ounce beer bottle), this vacuum-insulated sleeve will keep your drink cold 10 times longer than a bare bottle. Bonus: It fits in most car and boat cup holders. $17; 800-831-9242; www.thermos.com.
4) Swiss Army Evo 16 Knife
A multi-tasking knife is essential, whether you’re opening a bottle of wine or cutting nylon cord to lash gear to your kayak. But gripping a typical knife with wet hands can be tough. Thankfully, Wenger, who manufacturers Swiss Army brand products, developed a knife with an ergonomic grip that won’t slide out of your hands at a crucial moment. And it still includes all the gadgets you need, and even a few you don’t (plastic toothpick, anyone?). $47; www.swissarmy.com.
5) Costa Del Mar Fathom Sunglasses
The Fathoms’s frame design subtly blocks light, wind and weather and its polarized Wave 400 and Wave 580 lenses come in a wide array of colors to suit your angling needs. Better still, they look sexy enough to just hang out on the beach when your back on shore. $119–$249. 800-477-3700; www.costadelmar.com.
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1) OtterBox 3500 Waterproof Case
We’ve all witnessed this tragedy: An expensive GPS unit, digital camera or cell phone takes an unexpected dunk in the river. Prevent it from happening to you with this watertight, crushproof gear box. The case is big enough to hold most point-and-shoot cameras, a cell phone, cash and a few toiletries and can be lashed to your boat. And, if you do take the plunge, the box will float. You can’t lock it, however, so you’ll still have to keep an eye on your valuables. $29; 888-695-8820; www.otterbox.com.
2) Seal Line Kodiak Deck Bag
Super lightweight and user-friendly, this roll-top drybag attaches easily to your boat with four D-rings and bungees (included). It’s PVC-free, and a see-through panel makes it easy to find your camera or jacket among your other gear. Its shape allows you to lash it to a pack for portaging, and a wide base means you can stand the bag upright while you load it. $50; 800-531-9531; www.seallinegear.com.
3) Simms Dry Creek Boat Bag
Built with 420-denier polyurethane nylon draped over a stiff foam body, this 2,225 cubic inch boat bag has the rigidity of any tackle box and it’s insulated from damaging UV radiation. $170; 406-585-3557;
www.simmsfishing.com.
4) Sol BlueWater SPF 36
Sunscreen (not pictured)
For people who hate to slather up, the fragrance free, sweatproof and transparent, Sol BlueWater sunscreen doesn’t run into your eyes or leave you feeling greasy. It boasts a low-chemical zinc oxide formula for maximum protection in tropical climates and works for hours on end. $13 for 4 ozs; www.solsunguard.com.
5) Lotus Designs Half Pint PFD
(not pictured)
A PFD that will grow with your kids, the Half-pint is for 50–90 pounders. A pullover Type III vest, the beefy front and back flotation can be cinched for a body-hugging fit that still leaves plenty of room to swim or swing a paddle. $66; 800-638-6464; www.lotusdesigns.com.
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6) ExtraSport Volks Child PFD
For munchkins weighing 30–50 pounds, this traditional Type III flotation device has a full-zip front and leg straps to keep the jacket from riding up on a small body. $40; www.extrasport.com.
Last Updated: Mar 7th, 2006 - 15:44:49
© Copyright 1999-2006 by Hooked on the Outdoors
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